OLYMPICS/ Spotlight
Shanghai prepares for special Olympics
(CCTV)
Updated: 2007-08-29 11:46
Different from other sporting events where athletes are gathered in a big village, it's the Special Olympics' tradition to spread the event out in the host city.
Officials say such spreading-out allows for deeper interaction and promotes greater understanding between people with and without intellectual disabilities, as athletes will also visit local residents and scenic spots for a better sense of the culture during their stay in Shanghai.
In this way, the spirits of understanding, acceptance and inclusion are promoted more successfully.
Executive of Special Olympics International,Peter Wheeler, says, "Most importantly, the attitude of people around them change, which makes a more welcoming environment for people with intellectual disabilities, provides them more opportunities to succeed, more opportunities to have new things they can try in life."
At the same time, officials hope such an arrangement can help bring out the best of the athletes for the competition.
Peter also says, "I think athletes are athletes first. The thing about spreading the event out is that the athletes are having the house by the sport. It will be athlete friendly. They are not going to travel an hour on the bus. The are close to their venue, and they could go out and do best in the sports."
While there are issues that still needs to be addressed, Special Olympics International officials are happy with Shanghai's preparations, and are impressed with the effectiveness of the local organizers.
They are excited and confident in carrying out the Game for the 10,000 intellectually disabled athletes as well as their accompanying parents.
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